In Katherine Arden’s debut novel you will travel to a small village in the Russian wilderness, where during the long winters you gather by the fire and tighten your belt against hunger. Where fairy tales are told as warnings and superstitions are high, and wise Russians fear Morozko the frost demon of winter. In this village you meet a young girl named Vasya, who loves the story of Morozko and has secret gifts that she keeps hidden from her family, especially her fiercely devout stepmother. The monsters from the fairy tales are angered by the lack of respect and fear they are receiving from the people. To save the village, Vasya will need to use the gifts she is concealing. This novel is a dark lyrical fairy tale for adults and those who love magic. Arden’s ability to bring lesser-known fairy tales to life and into the hands of readers everywhere is brilliant and leaves you waiting for her next novel.
–Misty, Grass Roots Books & Music, Corvallis, OR
Doesn’t this sound like great cold-weather reading? Pick up a copy at Grass Roots Books & Music or your closest independent bookstore. If you’re in the greater Seattle area and want to discuss this book, The Neverending Bookshop in Bothell is discussing it for their Sci-Fi/Fantasy book group Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm.